Photo by Kris Qua

Samuel C. Wait, Jr.

Associate Dean, School of Science Emeritus Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Science 1C05 Science Center Troy, New York 12180-3590

Telephone: (518) 276-6305
Fax: (518) 276-2825

E-mail: waitsc@rpi.edu

THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AT RENSSELAER

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

Departments

The School of Science is comprised of six departments - Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physics - and a Center for Biophysics/Biochemistry. The Darrin Fresh Water Institute, with laboratories at Lake George as well as in Troy, is also based in the School of Science. Many students and faculty in science participate in the Research Centers including composite materials, integrated electronics, design, manufacturing productivity, robotics, etc.

Home Pages

Some departments and organizations in the School of Science have a WWW home page - you can access these from here:

Curriculum Committee of the School of Science

The following web site contains Course Additions and Course Deletions or Changes. They may then be sent to the Office of the Dean of Science. Course Additions,changes and deletions.

Chemistry

This periodic table contains much useful information about the chemical elements.
Periodic Table

I was an advisor to the Schenectady County (New York) Hazardous Materials Team.

You may wish to view information on the safety of chemicals. Such information is contained in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Material Safety Data Sheets

THE DUDLEY OBSERVATORY

Dudley Observatory or dudley observatory

The Dudley Observatory was founded in 1852 in Albany, New York. Through the years it has had an active program of cataloging stars, studying cosmic dust, and educating the public about astronomy, astrophysics and the history of science. Today, Dudley has an extensive library, including a collection of rare books that are housed at the Union College Library and serves as a private foundation making grants for research.

I was President of the Board of Trustees from 1991 though 2002.

Dudley maintains the Skywatch telephone line that is updated with local astronomical information on a daily basis. The telephone number is 518-382-7584.

A new picture of astronomical interest is posted every day by NASA. Astronomical Picture of the Day

Schenectady County Community College

I am a member of the Mathematics, Science and Technology Advisory Committee for Schenectady County Community College.

Personal Information

Where I Live

I live in the Town of Niskayuna , and have been an active Volunteer Fireman since the summer of 1966.

My Family

My wife, Carol, retired in June 2000 after twenty-seven years as a serials librarian at the Capitol District Library Council.

My son, Bob, is entering a new career as a management consultant.

My daughter, Alison Grossblatt-Wait, is Project Manager, Data and Business Analyst, Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University

Genealogy

I am tracing my ancestors and have found them in Scotland. My greatgrandfather, James Wait, emigrated to Canada and then to Mineville, NY. His parents were in North Berwick, Scotland. Here is some genealogy: Genealogy

Scuba Diving

I enjoy scuba diving, especially in warm water, and have travelled to Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Cozumel and several sites in the Caribbean. On one dive at Stella Maris on Long Island we took down a bucket of meat to feed the sharks. It was an awesome sight.